Bank of Canada scratches plan to feature Rob Ford on new $15 bill

Shortly after a ceremony at the Canadian Space Agency in Saint-Hubert, Quebec on Thursday that was held to mark the release of Canada’s newest in the series of polymer bank notes, the Bank of Canada said it has cancelled plans to feature Rob Ford on the new $15 bill set to be released in 2014.

The new $5 bills that were released on Thursday are meant to symbolize Canada’s continuing contribution to the International Space Station program through robotics innovation, and features the Canadarm2 on one side of the bill, along with a new image of Sir Wilfrid Laurier on the other side.

In contrast, the orange-hued $15 bill was to feature an image of an inebriated Rob Ford on one side of the bill, in a ‘yelling at nobody in particular’ pose, says artist, Julian Kelly.

“We wanted to capture the Rob Ford we’ve all come to know and love,” said Kelly. “The image of Ford was designed to include a holographic background resembling the euphoric high one experiences after freebasing crack cocaine, before falling into a low and ultimately having your life and career spiral completely out of control.”

The opposite side of the Ford banknote was to feature an image of a run-down inner city neighbourhood meant to resemble those found in big cities throughout Canada, where one might find a crack house.

A spokesman for the Bank of Canada says the $15 bill will be postponed while someone “less . . . tumultuous” is found.

“We’re leaning towards Alberta’s Premier Ralph Klein,” says Kimberly Houston of the Bank of Canada.” With the image of a hospital or school being bulldozed, to honour the cuts to social programs that province saw during his rein.”

The new $100, released in November 2011, was followed by the $50 in March 2012 and the $20 note nine months later.